Final answer:
The most suitable nursing diagnosis for a PHN tackling community-level obesity is 'Need for increased knowledge of proper nutrition.' This approach is fundamental for informing the community about healthy eating and can lead to significant changes in reducing obesity rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a Public Health Nurse (PHN) addressing obesity at the community level of practice would be b. Need for increased knowledge of proper nutrition. This diagnosis acknowledges that education and awareness are foundational steps in addressing the issue of obesity, which is often related to a lack of knowledge about healthy eating habits. An educational approach can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle, which can lead to sustained behavior change and a reduction in obesity rates.
Options such as a. Alteration in nutrition, c. Families at risk for obesity because of inactivity, and d. Overweight child related to poor dietary habits are more individual or family-specific and may not be as appropriate for a community-wide intervention. Furthermore, a focus on increasing knowledge can provide the basis for addressing the other related concerns, such as physical inactivity and poor dietary habits, among the community members at risk.